Molecular biology and genetics mnemonic

Antibiotics acting on bacterial ribosomal subunits

The mnemonic

Buy AT 30, CCEL at 50

What each word stands for

  • AAminoglycosides (30S)
  • TTetracyclines (30S)
  • CChloramphenicol (50S)
  • CClindamycin (50S)
  • EErythromycin and other macrolides (50S)
  • LLinezolid (50S)

Why it matters clinically

Explains why protein-synthesis inhibitors selectively harm bacteria and which toxicities follow.

Where it stops being reliable

It gives the subunit only, not the exact step blocked or whether the drug is bactericidal.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Molecular biology and genetics mnemonic?

Buy AT 30, CCEL at 50. It helps you recall: Antibiotics acting on bacterial ribosomal subunits.

What does "A" stand for?

Aminoglycosides (30S)

What does "T" stand for?

Tetracyclines (30S)

What does "C" stand for?

Clindamycin (50S)

What are all the parts of the Buy AT 30, CCEL at 50 mnemonic?

A: Aminoglycosides (30S); T: Tetracyclines (30S); C: Chloramphenicol (50S); C: Clindamycin (50S); E: Erythromycin and other macrolides (50S); L: Linezolid (50S).

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Molecular biology and genetics in Biochemistry.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

It gives the subunit only, not the exact step blocked or whether the drug is bactericidal.

How is this useful clinically?

Explains why protein-synthesis inhibitors selectively harm bacteria and which toxicities follow.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a Biochemistry question about Molecular biology and genetics.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.